The cities of New Orleans, Chicago, Memphis and Kansas City had distinctive musical styles. The rich musical contributions of Los Angeles are often overlooked. LA’s Central Avenue was the cornerstone of West Coast rhythm & blues and jazz from the 40’s to the early 60’s. Bolstered by a growing African American community and several influential independent labels, Central Avenue produced and supported a cadre of talented musicians. The theaters and clubs on Central Avenue were the breeding grounds for national R&B performers Joe Liggins, Roy Milton, Wynonie Harris, Etta James, Johnny Otis and T-Bone Walker. It was also the home base for jazz greats such as Dexter Gordon, Buddy Collette, Charles Mingus, Lester Young, Nat King Cole and Harold Land. Additionally, musicians from Duke Ellington to Charlie Parker made their way to LA for extended engagements. The class will examine the boom years of WW II, the immediate post-war period, the decline of Central Avenue, and the continued influence of LA jazz into the early 60’s. We will also discuss the economic and cultural changes that impacted LA’s music scene.